Letters

We can - and must - challenge homophobia in schools

I would like to offer concrete solutions to challenge the high levels of homophobic abuse in our schools and workplaces (Homophobic abuse endemic in schools, says teacher survey, March 11). A perfect vehicle for this is the February celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month, now in it's fourth year (see lgbthistorymonth.org.uk). I have coordinated celebrations for LGBT month in my school for three years and have seen attitudes of staff and students change dramatically. I begin celebrations by delivering an initial assembly to each year group. This is then followed up with departmental projects focusing on LGBT-related topics, eg music classes studied the song Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat, design and technology classes made LGBT symbols. We conclude with an assembly where students present their work. This year we went borough-wide by giving a concert at Hackney town hall. Of course in my school there is still homophobia; however, the difference is everybody knows it is wrong. Homophobia is something we can challenge; my school is living proof of this. After all, they are young people and we are educators.Elly BarnesStoke Newington school, London

Your story on homophobia in schools makes sadly familiar reading. The government think they've ticked the gay box by publishing guidance on homophobic bullying. The guidance itself is excellent, but most teachers don't even know it exists. It's not statutory, so most schools will ignore it.

Before I came out in the classroom, I dreaded challenging homophobia and transphobia. It put me on the spot, because other teachers let it go. I don't really blame colleagues. None of them had any training, and there was no cultural leadership from headteachers.

Five years on, after two homophobic sackings, one tribunal and one attempted ABH, I've finally found the right school, with a supportive headteacher. I still hear some awful language, but students are starting to apologise if they think they've offended me. How long will it be before every education worker feels safe enough to come out?Nigel TartSchools Out (schools-out.org.uk)

Zoe Williams suggests that to challenge the widespread use of the word "gay" as a term of abuse in Britain's playgrounds is to dignify it, creating "an atmosphere of po-faced rectitude" (Comment, March 12). Stonewall's determination to challenge such language is based on what young lesbian and gay people have told us. Hearing homophobic language, whatever the motivation behind it, creates an atmosphere of fear that discourages young people from being open about their sexual orientation. We would, rightly, no longer tolerate children using the n-word or "spastic" as abuse. "Gay" should be no different.Jonathan FinneyStonewall